Bones of All Men c. 16th century

Curator: Let's look at Hans Holbein the Younger's woodcut, "Bones of All Men", housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Yikes, my first thought? A skeletal mosh pit, death metal style! Curator: Indeed! It’s a danse macabre, a medieval allegory reminding viewers of the universality of death and futility of earthly vanities. Note how death permeates all levels of society. Editor: It's so visceral! The artist’s lines are frantic, chaotic, and almost gleefully morbid. I feel like death is not a morbid ending but more of a transformation into pure energy. Curator: Precisely! Holbein subverts the established power structures, showing death as the great leveler, mocking earthly authority. Editor: After looking at this work I am reminded of the preciousness and fleeting nature of life itself, death can be a friend instead of an enemy. Curator: I'll remember that, thanks! It is fascinating how art helps society deal with our most complicated subjects.